The Waters of the Simplon Tunnel (Swiss-Italian Alps) and of the Adjacent Ossola District (Italy): Geothermal Considerations
- Key words
- Exploration; Italy; Ossola; Groundwater; Geochemistry; Geothermometry; Isotope; Deuterium; Oxygen; Metamorphide; Hydrology; Sulfate; Surface Thermal Manifestation; Mixing; Bicarbonate
- Location
- Ossola, Italy
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1990
- Session
- Exploration; Geochemical surveys; Isotopes; Geothermometers
- Language
- English
Abstract
A warm water flow and a cold one, both of large flow rate, are present inside the Simplon tunnel. Their physicochemical features, the temperatures measured during the construction of the tunnel and the geological observations made at that time are of upmost interest to establish the rock water heat transfer mechanism. This information together with that provided by the Brigerbad and Bagni de Craveggia thermal springs indicates that the geothermal possibilities of the Ossola district are linked either to water circuits within Mesozoic metasedimentary rocks, if suitable structural and hydrogeologic conditions are fulfilled, or to rapid upflow, along deep reaching fault zones, of deep circulating thermal waters.
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